Watering Can Readiness Test

Do this test before the core exercise. Hold your child by the armpits and create a positive atmosphere; a second person pours water over the child's head with a cup (if alone, sit the child on the pool edge). Start with a small amount, watch the reaction, praise positive responses and avoid reinforcing negative ones. Increase the amount over several bath sessions — once a full cup is tolerated happily, move to the core exercise. Pouring water over your own head first, with visible enjoyment, also helps.